How to Grow Phormium Plants

Phormium Growing and Care Guide

• Common Names: New Zealand flax, Flax lily, Mountain flax.
• Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial.
• Height: Up to 16 feet (5 m).
• Native: New Zealand, Norfolk Island.
• Growing Region: Zones 8 to 10.
• Flowers: Summer.
• Flower Details: Bright red. Curving. Tubular. Stalks to 16 feet (5
• Foliage: Sword-shaped. Tough. Up to 10 feet (3 m) long. Green, but ornamental varieties may be pink or bronze. Can have striped edges and ribs of red, white, or yellow.
• Sowing: Seeds of cultivars may not be true to type (usually revert to green or red). Cover seed. Can be sown in late winter but better results if sown in late autumn. Sow in plug trays under glass to increase germination rate in the spring. Germination time: one to six months. Temperature: ~63°F (17°C). Supply weak potassium permanganate solution to prevent emerging seedlings from dying back. Spacing depends on cultivars. Dwarfs can be spaced at about 12 inches (30 cm) while larger species are best spaced at about 40 inches (1 m).
• Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Sandy, fertile, moist soil. Regular watering during dry periods. Divide after three or four years to maintain vigor. Propagate: by dividing in the spring.
• Family:
• Closely Related Species:
• Miscellaneous:The leaves have been traditionally used in New Zealand to produce fiber. Fairly deer resistant. Although the flowers are not ornamental they produce a lot of nectar and attract lots of birds and pollinating insects to the garden.